Erath County Sheriff's Office, Texas
End of Watch: Saturday, March 29, 1879
Age: 29
Tour of Duty: 1 day
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: March 29, 1879
Weapon Used: Gun; Unknown type
Suspect Info: Sentenced to 35 years
Deputy John Ross and Deputy Marion Robertson were shot and killed as they and two other deputies attempted to serve a warrant on a man for unlawfully carrying a pistol.
When they arrived at the family's farm, near Stephenville, they discovered the family was holding a prayer meeting.
When the deputies announced they had a warrant for the man he refused to be arrested and one of his brothers produced a handgun. A shootout ensued in which Deputy Robertson and Deputy Ross were both killed and two members of the family were wounded.
Three men in the family were charged with murdering the deputies. Two of them were acquitted and the third was sentenced to 35 years. A fourth member of the family turned himself in 48 years later to face charges of murder.
Deputy Robertson and Deputy Ross had both been deputized that day to assist with the arrest.